Casey Reibelt | Vanguard

Casey Reibelt is still coming off the high from being one of four Australian match officials selected for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup but her success hasn’t been overnight – it’s been a 20 year journey. During this time Casey graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement Studies) and a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) and has built a substantial body of work including becoming only the second woman to referee an A-League Mens fixture.

The QUT Alumni Team sat down with Casey to chat about balancing her dual careers and where female participation in sport and refereeing is heading in the next 5-10 years.

Can you tell us about the accreditation process and what drew you to becoming a referee?

There are four levels of referee from Level 4 (the entry point) to Level 1 (the highest).

• Level 4 Referee - aimed at referees of junior and youth matches.
• Level 3 Referee - aimed at referees of junior to lower levels of adult matches. We encourage all Level 4 referees to do this course within the first two years of starting their referee career.
• Level 2 Referee - aimed at referees of junior to senior adult levels matches.
• Level 1 Referee - aimed at referees of top-level state or national level matches.

After this, the next level is to be accredited as a FIFA match official, which allows you to officiate in international football. To be nominated as a FIFA match official you must be refereeing in the top league in your country for at least two years, and be a minimum age of 25 years old. You must also pass the FIFA physical fitness test for your category.

As a child and teenager, I played football, but later I chose to follow my cousin into refereeing. Initially a part-time gig, I eventually discovered a greater fondness for refereeing over playing, leading me to focus solely on officiating.

Refereeing can at times be a thankless task. Can you list three things that would remove some of the barriers to encourage and retain more referees?

Firstly, minimising abuse from spectators and discouraging disrespect from players and coaches is crucial. The intimidating experiences, particularly for young referees, contribute to a significant loss within this demographic. Secondly, augmenting financial support for robust support networks and educational programs becomes instrumental in enhancing referees’ skills and resilience. Moreover, offering complimentary accreditation courses, uniforms, and streamlining registration processes collectively contribute to creating a more supportive and inviting environment, fostering referee longevity and growth.

You balance your refereeing with your role as a Maths Teacher at Naranga Valley State High School. Are there any parallels between your two chosen professions?

Refereeing and teaching share several transferable skills, such as effective communication, decision-making, adaptability, and the ability to manage and control a group. Both roles require strong interpersonal skills to handle different personalities and situations. Additionally, organisation, time management, and a fair and objective approach are vital in both refereeing and teaching. The ability to remain calm under pressure is also a crucial skill that applies to both the classroom and on the field.

What do you do to prepare mentally and physically ahead of refereeing a game?

In the days leading up to a match, my preparation routine as a referee involves thorough research on the teams involved, including recent results, historical context, and team tactics. Subsequently, I formulate a personalised game plan outlining my approach and management strategy for the upcoming match. Physical readiness begins at the start of the week, incorporating high-intensity training, with a gradual shift toward agility and speed as the match day approaches. On the day of the game, I convene with fellow officials to discuss and lead a conversation about our expectations regarding teamwork and communication during the match.

Referees are still very much human. If a mistake is made what support systems do you have in place to help you rebound?

Referees benefit from an extensive support system to address errors. A match day coach offers feedback, and post-game, crucial incidents are reviewed through available camera footage. In case of significant errors impacting the match, a thorough analysis with the match day coach occurs, strategising to prevent recurrence. Mental and wellbeing support is provided by a dedicated manager, Kay Robinson, who offers personalised assistance and facilitates access to additional support services for referees.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has left an indelible mark. Where do you see female participation in sport and refereeing going in the next 5-10 years?

The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup has undeniably made a lasting impact. Over the next 5-10 years, I anticipate a substantial growth in female participation in sports, fuelled by increased visibility, support, and opportunities. In refereeing, a parallel trend is likely, with more women taking on officiating roles inspired by the achievements showcased in major events. This progression aligns with a broader societal shift towards inclusivity and equality in sports, paving the way for an even more prominent role for women in both playing and refereeing aspects.

What is one goal you'd like to achieve professionally or personally in 2024?

This year, my aim is to officiate in the Men's Asian Champions League, the pinnacle of club competition in Asia. With Yoshimi Yamashita from Japan being the sole female centre referee to have officiated in the past, achieving this goal would not only test but elevate my referee skills.

Can you name some of the change makers in the sport and education arenas who you think are doing great work or inspire you?

Kari Seitz is a retired American football referee who has significantly contributed to the advancement of women referees and is an inspiration. Seitz officiated in multiple FIFA Women's World Cups and Olympic Games during her career. She has played a pivotal role in advocating for gender equality in refereeing, promoting opportunities for women officials, and breaking barriers in the male-dominated field. Seitz's dedication and accomplishments have helped pave the way for more women to pursue and excel in refereeing roles in football, including six female officials at the recent Men’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

What is one skill you couldn’t live without and why?

Resilience is the number one skill I couldn’t live without. Resilience is key in navigating the diverse challenges that arise, whether in the dynamic environment of teaching or the demanding role of a referee. It enables me to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to unexpected circumstances, and maintain composure under pressure, contributing significantly to long-term success in both professions.

Do you have a question for Casey? Connect with her on LinkedIn.